What’s the Password? Too Often, Answer Is Easy

Despite recommendations to use strong, unique passwords, people continue using weak codes

By By Dan Hounsell


Updating passwords to protect sensitive and valuable IT data shouldn’t be that hard. But it is, apparently. The issue is all the more urgent for healthcare facilities, where data breaches and attacks via email accounts are rising and show no signs of slowing down. 

One of the key elements of a strong password is its uniqueness, so CyberNews recently compiled information on the most commonly used passwords and phrases used in passwords by people around the world.

CyberNews collected data from publicly leaked data breaches, including the Breach Compilation, Collection #1-5, and other databases, then anonymized the data and detached the passwords to look at that data in isolation and find the most popular passwords.

Despite security experts recommending to use strong and unique passwords, along with two-factor authentication and password managers for more security, people continue using the weak codes. The top three most common passwords:
123456
123456789
qwerty



April 13, 2021


Topic Area: Information Technology


Recent Posts

Must Know Recalls of 2025

For the safety of our readers, Healthcare Facilities Today has closely followed all recall notices related to the industry.


Sustainability as a Baseline in Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals can balance costs, build resilience and learn from global models for sustainable design to further their green goals.


Comanche County Memorial Hospital and Southwestern Medical Center Join to Form Partnership

The partnership will go into effect by the end of December 2025.


Choosing a Disinfectant That Kills Biofilm

Bacteria form biofilms in pipes from which cells can be released during sink use and spread outside the drains in droplets or as aerosols.


Third-Party Data Breach Case Underscores Need for Cyber Risk Management

Plaintiffs alleged negligence in safeguarding patient data; defendants denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid litigation costs.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.